I can imagine a truly good person, walking into one of Author Austen's crowds and thinking, "Now, who here needs a friend?"

While they might choose a good, but diffident person, like Harriet Smith prior to her being noticed by Emma, they might also alight on our Mrs. Elton, who needs to be doing something for somebody, desires attentions paid her, and wants her consequence raised by others' praise.

That would be doing a favour for the rest of the room, too, in paying her mind when no one else wants to. But I fear I am not as eager to do my duty as my imaginary social angel -- I would much rather speak with Emma, Mrs. Weston, Mr. Knightley, or even sweet Mr. Woodhouse!